|
"A good holiday is one that is spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours." By J.B. Priestley
Old Man Who?
Ahhh, summer. So sweet, so short. What is it? About eight days between Memorial Day and the first back-to-school ads? It's not fair, but it is the cold fact of life. Summer goes by way too fast. This year, give yourself something to look forward to on the flip side of Labor Day by planning next winter's getaway now. Not only will it give you heart when Halloween candy hits the shelves, it's smart. You get first dibs on the best places (which often have limited availability and book far in advance) and lock-in the best rates.
The point of a winter getaway is, obviously, to get away. The usual direction is south, someplace warm. In our trio of suggestions we do offer a southern escape, but allow us to also direct your attention west (WAY west), as well as point to our own backyard, Yellowstone, which totally qualifies as a special winter getaway.
Costa Rica Coast to Coast: Sarapiqui, Tortuguero, and Corcovado
Fulfill a resolution by celebrating New Year's in tropical warmth. The rich diversity of Costa Rica is yours to explore, from the Caribbean side to the Pacific coast. Ranging through wildly diverse habitats, you might see sea turtles, scarlet macaws, toucans, quetzals, howler monkeys, sloths, and other exotic species. Your naturalist guide leads you through rain forest and cloud forest, describes the fishes you see as you snorkel the coral reefs around Cano Island, and explains the luscious beauty of shade-grown chocolate. (Dec. 27-Jan. 4, 2009)
New Zealand's South Island: Mountains, beaches, rain forests, and fjords
After the leaves are off the trees here in the U.S. and snow is blowing in, hang up your overcoat and head southwest until you hit spring. New Zealand combines the mountain majesty of Alaska with the coastal balminess of Hawaii. On this 13-day exploration of the South Island you'll enjoy a fully supported three-day lodge-to-lodge ramble through a magical mix of forest, waterfall, and beach, capped off with an overnight cruise on dramatic Milford Sound. The trip also takes you to New Zealand's wine country and a high plains sheep station. (New Zealand spring departures: Oct. 13-30 and Nov. 8-20; summer departure: Dec. 20-Jan.1, 2009)
Winter Wonders: Yellowstone's Wildlife and Geysers
Yes, you can have a fantastic winter getaway while staying smack in the middle of winter. Winter is, in fact, what makes this journey so special. (You can also have yourself a very special New Year's.) The spell begins when you board your special over-the-snow coach and enter what feels like a private wonderland of snowy meadows, icy rivers, quiet forests, steaming geyser basins, and towering mountains. Winter wildlife watching can be spectacular, with bison, elk, coyotes, wolves, bald eagles, and ravens all out and active. Your comfortable, modern lodge at Old Faithful is only accessible by snow coach and snowmobile, lending an "after hours" sense of privacy to the experience. This is a perfect trip to gather your family and book the departure exclusively. Groups of eight or more qualify to make this trip all yours — call today and tell your travel advisor that you'd like to "make it yours." (Dec. 29-Jan. 3, 2009, Jan. 30-Feb. 4, Feb. 13-18, Dec. 29-Jan.3, 2010)
|
